Delhi college professor resigns after students protest over sexual abuse claims

Prof Dhaniram from the commerce department of Ramjas College resigned from his position as the Joint Dean of Student Welfare at Delhi University (DU) on Wednesday following a six-hour sit-in led by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU). The protest was sparked by allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation of a minor female student.

The protestors locked the office of the Dean and Joint Dean of Student Welfare, demanding immediate action against Prof Dhaniram, who has been accused by the student of molestation. The incident came to light in December when the victim lodged a complaint with the Internal Complaints Committee, but no action was taken by the university administration, prompting the ABVP to escalate the matter.

ABVP Ramjas College unit president Sanjana Tyagi accused Prof Devraj Mukherjee, a colleague of Dhaniram, of attempting to disrupt the protest. “Prof Mukherjee tried to stop us, citing his friendship with Dhaniram. He even slapped one of our students and threatened to ruin their careers. Despite this, we will not back down,” Tyagi said.